HDB flats rebates on January and July

The Ministry of Finance announced yesterday that because of Utilities-Save (U-Save) rebates, around 780,000 qualified HDB households can receive up to $125 million in 2009.

Depending on the type of condo they own, they can collect from $70 to $120 worth of U-Save rebates. Some of the rebates will be distributed in January, while others will receive sometime in July. One-room and two-room HDB apartments will be able to receive $210 worth of rebates in 2009; it was broadcasted yesterday by the U-Save rebates. Meanwhile, three-room condos, four-room apartments, five-room flats and executive apartments will be able to receive $190, $180, &110 and $70, respectively.

To be able to support Singaporeans households with low and middle-income, the U-Save reimbursements are part of the GST Offset Package worth $4 billion, which are stated in the Budget of 2007. This can help them adjust with the rise in July 2007’s commodities or goods and services tax (GST).From two percent to seven percent, the GST was raised then.

In the next five years, 2007 to 2011, the rebates will have the government spend approximately $620 million.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Finance said, “U-Save rebates will be used to offset utility charges directly. The amount of U-Save rebates will be reflected in the utility bills for January and July 2009 for all eligible households.”